Nottingham Forest's Ola Aina has caught the attention of AS Roma, with reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport suggesting the Serie A side could make a move for the Nigeria full-back this January.
Aina, who joined Forest on a free transfer in 2023, has been fantastic in their remarkable Premier League campaign so far. His ability to excel on either flank, coupled with his defensive solidity, has made him indispensable to Nuno Espirito Santo’s side, who are currently second in the league table.
The 28-year-old has started all 21 league matches this season, seamlessly transitioning between left and right-back roles as they sit just six points behind leaders Liverpool.
Roma are reportedly weighing up a swap deal that would see Nicola Zalewski head to Nottingham Forest, with Aina moving to the Italian capital. The Tricky Trees value Aina between €10 million and €15 million, a fee that appeals to the Serie A giants.
Forest to Roma: The right move for Aina with Liverpool and City watching?
Roma are not the only club monitoring Aina. Manchester City and Liverpool could both emerge as suitors for the Nigerian, with both sides likely to target right-backs in the summer.
Kyle Walker, now 34, is nearing the end of his career at City, and reports suggest Pep Guardiola will allow him to leave for free. Liverpool, meanwhile, face uncertainty over Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future amid rumors of a potential move to Real Madrid.
Similarly, with Nottingham Forest enjoying their best Premier League season in decades, a place in the Champions League finish is not farfetched. Roma, by comparison, are enduring difficult times both on and off the pitch.
However, his rising stock may prompt a tough decision for Forest, especially with interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
